In 1984 several local businesses and community leaders desired bringing minor league baseball to South Bend. The Midwest League intended to expand by adding two more minor league teams. It was in 1985 that the administration announced the news that South Bend would build a new stadium for a minor league team.
There was much controversy about the administration getting into the business, mostly due to the costs to taxpayers. Regardless, the administration moved forward with their new venture and in early 1986 announced that a 10-year player development contract had been agreed to with the Chicago White Sox and by spring of 1987 a new stadium was completed. The new ballpark was to be named Stanely Coveleski Regional Stadium (Coveleski was a Hall of Fame player who had located to South Bend after his career in baseball ended in 1929.) The White Sox began playing ball at Coveleski in 1988. In 1994 the team became the South Bend Silver Hawks (named after South Bend Studebaker’s popular car of the 60s).
In 2011, Andrew Berlin, Chairman/CEO of Chicago-based Berlin Packaging, and a limited partner in the Chicago White Sox, purchased the South Bend team. He made a major commitment to the city of South Bend by signing a 20-year cumulative lease agreement for the use of Coveleski Stadium. He also committed to invest $2.5 million of his own money for upgrades to the South Bend-owned stadium.
Berlin quickly made several changes when he purchased the franchise, including naming Joe Hart as the organization’s new president and soon thereafter adding Nick Brown as the new vice president/general manger. Both men have exceptional careers in the baseball industry. Before long several other key staff additions were made to meet Berlin’s objective of creating a new era that was to be focused on absolute customer service as well as creating the ultimate fan experience. Berlin increased the franchise's attendance by an incredible 68% the very first season! To this date attendance has more than doubled for the stadium.
In addition, in 2013 the Silver Hawks announced their decision to rename the stadium to the Four Winds Field. The agreement was made as a naming rights agreement with the Pokagon Band of Potawatomi Indians, owners of Four Winds Resorts.
It was also in 2013 when the announcement was made that Berlin had struck a deal between the Silver Hawks and Chicago Cubs. This began a new legacy as the team agreed to a four-year player-development contract.
